The relevant health authority in the North West province announced in a statement on Sunday that a lightning strike in South Africa hit 150 people participating in a festival, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The incident occurred near the village of Mathibestad, located about 70 kilometers north of Pretoria, where a traditional annual celebration takes place.
Thunderstorms are a common phenomenon
The statement explained: “A total of 150 people visited the Mathibestad clinic after being struck by lightning during the celebration. Thirteen of them in critical condition were transferred to Jubilee Hospital to receive care for various injuries. Two of them passed away upon admission to the hospital.”
The statement noted that most of the injured were suffering from “minor burns caused by the lightning.” Thunderstorms are a common phenomenon in this part of South Africa during what is known as the “Southern Summer.”
South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and dramatic landscapes. Its modern history is profoundly shaped by colonialism and the institutionalized racial segregation of apartheid, which ended in 1994 with the establishment of a constitutional democracy and the election of Nelson Mandela as president.
North West province
The North West province is one of South Africa’s nine provinces, established in 1994 following the end of apartheid. It is known for its significant platinum mining industry and features cultural and historical sites such as the Sun City resort and the Taung Heritage Site, where the famous Taung Child fossil was discovered.
Mathibestad
Mathibestad is a small rural settlement in the Limpopo province of South Africa, historically significant as the site where the Berlin Mission Society established a station in 1865. It served as a center for missionary work and education among the local Bapedi people during the 19th century.
Pretoria
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa, founded in 1855 and named after Afrikaner leader Andries Pretorius. It is known for its historical significance in the Afrikaner community and its iconic jacaranda trees, with key landmarks including the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument.
Mathibestad clinic
The Mathibestad clinic is a healthcare facility located in the rural village of Mathibestad in South Africa’s North West province. It was established to serve the local community, particularly addressing primary healthcare needs in an area historically underserved during the apartheid era.
Jubilee Hospital
Jubilee Hospital is a historic medical facility in Eket, Nigeria, originally established in 1927 by the Qua Iboe Mission. It was founded to provide healthcare services to the local community and has played a significant role in the region’s medical history for nearly a century.
